The Standard

Restaurant critic David Ellis and food writer Josh Barrie take over the podcast to celebrate British Pie Week (March 3-9).

This year’s celebration comes with a twist as ministers recently urged the government to grant pies protected status.

David and Josh discuss whether some restaurants are cashing in on nostalgia, the closure of traditional pie and mash shops, and how modern interpretations are reshaping the scene. Plus, they reveal their favourite pies and go-to spots for the best in London.

Listen in—and if you’re hungry for more, check out their full guide here. 

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London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan meets city hall and transport editor Ross Lydall to discuss the news of a public consultation and his plans to take control of Oxford Street.

CALM CEO Simon Gunning joins us to discuss recent figures revealing that 50% of London-based adults believe the government should do more to prevent youth suicide.

Plus, lifestyle and culture writer India Block visits Dennis Seevers' House in Shoreditch—a theatrical reimagining of Georgian-era living.

If you have been affected by the topics discussed in this podcast, call Samaritans for free on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org or CALM.

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This episode includes explicit language. Our restaurant critic David Ellis interviews the famed chef Gordon Ramsay at the glass-walled dining room of Lucky Cat, his new restaurant on the 60th floor of 22 Bishopsgate - London’s highest dining spot.

Gordon discusses pricing, breaking America, and his reputation in the UK.

To read the full interview, pick up a copy of this week’s edition of The London Standard or click here.

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Following Wednesday’s PMQs, the Government has responded in full to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, setting out what they call tough new reforms to fix building safety and strengthen accountability.

58 recommendations made by Sir Martin Moore-Bick when he published his long-awaited report in September are to be accepted in full.

Grenfell Next of Kin, a group representing some of the bereaved, said it will be ‘paying close attention to these words and intentions’.

To walk us through their pledge we’re joined by The London Standard’s chief political correspondent, Rachael Burford.

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Was T.S. Eliot telling the truth when he wrote “April is the cruellest month”? Perhaps he had foreseen today, as news broke that millions of people are facing a perfect storm of rising bills on or around April 1 - including energy, water, council tax, train fares, mobile, and broadband bills. Helena Wadia is joined by The London Standard’s Business Editor Jonathan Prynn, to explain the predicted energy bill rises for millions of households.

In part two, Commissioning Editor and Culture Writer Vicky Jessop gives us a look-ahead to this Sunday's Academy Awards - which films are leading the Oscar nominations, is there a clear frontrunner, and what controversies have created a storm?

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Thousands of patients across London will now have access to urgent dental appointments as the Government begins efforts to rebuild NHS dentistry.

However, leaders in the profession insist ministers should have “fired the starting gun” last summer.

To learn more, we’re joined by Len D’Cruz from the British Dental Association, a practice owner and dentist in Woodford Green, East London. He explains the harrowing situations he has witnessed, including cases of DIY dentistry.

In part two, The London Standard’s food and drink writer, Josh Barrie, visits Forty Hall Vineyard, a hidden gem just a few miles from the heart of the capital.

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Why do Koreans live longer than the rest of us? According to research from Imperial College London, South Korea is on track to lead the world in longevity, with average life expectancy set to exceed 90 years. So what’s their secret? In today’s episode, Nicola Barron is joined by Michelle Jungmin Bang, author of Sun and Ssukgat: The Korean Art of Self-Care, Wellness, and Longevity. Michelle shares insights into the Korean approach to well-being, from the role of tradition and sustainability to the mindful self-care rituals that contribute to a longer, healthier life.

Watch Michelle’s Masterclass

Michelle’s session is available on demand as part of The Bigger Life Festival. Get access at standard.co.uk/masterclasses.

Pre-order Michelle’s book

Sun and Ssukgat is out on 25th February. Pre-order your copy here

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Rachelle Abbott joins The London Standard’s business editor Jonathan Prynn as the rate of UK inflation jumped to 3% in January, in a blow to hopes of early further interest rate cuts. The rise on Wednesday exceeded expectations, with City forecasters predicting inflation to be 2.8%. 

The Conservatives have accused Chancellor Rachel Reeves of being 'out of her depth'. 

So why have we seen such a rise? Who will feel the hit most, what does this mean for interest rates, and when do we expect inflation to fall?

For all the latest news head to standard.co.uk

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Talks today in Saudi Arabia saw the US and Russia discussing a peace deal to end Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. Helena Wadia is joined by The London Standard’s Political Editor Nicholas Cecil, to discuss the aims of the talks and what we can expect going forward. The meeting was the first face-to-face discussion between the two countries since the war began in 2022. But who was involved in the peace talks? Crucially, not Ukraine.

In part two, Rachelle Abbott and The London Standard’s Defence Editor, Robert Fox, discuss how a dramatic shift in US policy impacts UK defence spending and military reform.

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